A Closer Look at Journey Center's Shelter: Family Advocacy

Journey Center’s Emergency Shelter offers a warm, home-like atmosphere where families can feel comfortable and begin to feel secure. Once settled, safety becomes the top priority of the program, and our protocols are designed to enhance safety and confidentiality throughout a participant’s stay.

When a victim arrives at the Shelter, they are connected to a Family Advocate to receive comprehensive case management, utilizing adaptable plans that can be modified based on the individual’s or family’s specific needs.

Family Advocates provide both case management and advocacy services, offering safe, supportive assistance that includes:

• Case management services: Tangible, goal-oriented interactions designed to help survivors access essential services.

• Resource development: Support in providing both short- and long-term resources and safety plans.

• Service coordination: Facilitation of collaboration among various service providers.

One of the Family Advocates' most vital responsibilities is to establish authentic connections with survivors, providing support and fostering a sense of belonging during a pivotal healing period. They accompany survivors to important appointments, such as:

• Doctor’s appointments

• Court hearings

• Housing meetings

• Job and Family Services appointments

• And more, based on individual needs

All Shelter programming focuses on empowering individuals to reach self-sufficiency by providing education on the impacts of trauma and domestic violence, connecting individuals to and educating them about available community resources, and assisting individuals in obtaining stable housing.

We are thankful for the work of our Family Advocates; they play an essential role in Shelter, offering unwavering support, guidance, and a helping hand to each survivor as they navigate their Journey.